Are we talking PC or console? If you're a PC gamer, definitely get Skyrim. Console though, especially PS3? KoA by a mile. The game is far more stable than Skyrim, and controls much better with a controller, whereas Skyrim screams keyboard and mouse. Plus, no mods.

Makes sense, since you've actually put 30 to 40 hours into the game, engaged the story, seen most of the world. These reviewers are just throwing down unqualified opinions.

My friend Blake and I did a little write-up about Curt Schilling's new 38 Studios and the upcoming Kingdoms of Amalur (including quote from Kotaku commenters Archaotic and Swordof1kTruths). You can check it out here: [popblerd.com]

First reviews for the game seem pretty solid: an 8.0 from Official XBox Magazine and a 9.0 from IGN. Mostly, it means Schilling wasn't lying about the bugs in the demo being gone and your opinion should come down to whether you enjoy the game, not whether it's playable.

Rift just went free to play until level 20, but that would only work if you're willing to keep rolling new toons. But it could be good for some fun.

For those picking up Kingdoms of Amalur at launch (or soon after), I am curious what factors are contributing to the purchase. Did the demo win you over? Are you a fan of Schilling, Salvatore, or Todd McFarlane? Are you wanting to support an upstart developer in the pretty insular world of RPGs?

For those wondering, unlike WoW it looks like returning players can still take advantage of it too. Nicely done, Trion! I am updating now and looking forward to giving the game another go, now that I have kind of lost my interest in SWTOR.

1.7 million people have far more patience that I do, because I just can't get into since hitting Tatooine. Boring sand planets suck...

I didn't really enjoy it until I hit Coruscant. Then I was hooked through Nar Shadaa. But now I hit Tatooine, and man it's just the worst. Way too spread out, and while I understand it's a desert sand planet, it's incredibly boring. At least in games like Skyrim, the long walks are pretty. And the starting speeder…

You're right. It might have been level 11. All I remember is being so amazed I could actually try out an MMO properly (without a time limit) before subscribing.

Downloaded the Kingdoms of Amalur demo last night. I respect Schilling and I really want him to succeed, but I am on the fence on the game. The combat felt great and I loved the ways you customized characters, but a lot of the other stuff felt sloppy presentation wise. And on the PC, at least, the glitches were…

Actually WoW ripped off Warhammer, who had a perma-demo to level 20 years before Blizzard ripped it off. But don't let that change your mind.

I have the demo waiting for me at home, but I have heard good things. Plus I like Schilling and want to support his studio. If it's a good game, I am happy to support his team with a day one purchase.

I saw "Africa" and assumed Toto had finally come to Rock Band. Alas, I was wrong.

Nah, people share codes like that all the time. But if you're worried, you can just give it to me. Muahahaha...

I absolutely agree. I understand penalizing people who run from every fight, but when I have to stop the normal progression of the story to kill stuff just so I have a chance against a boss, I am furious. If I do all the fights in a dungeon, I should be plenty able to fight bosses.

It comes down to trust factor. I'll let my girlfriend or best mates borrow games because I know they respect me enough to not lose or break it. Random dorm residents or coworkers though? No way. Ever since I lost a copy of TMNT:Arcade for my NES when I was 6 to a kid from church I barely knew, I haven't been a game…

That's kind of a shame. Oh well. Thanks, Evan!

How's the story mode compare to the one in Mortal Kombat? Can I expect a solid single player campaign with some fun camp, or is it more like a glorified version of the old story mode with slightly better production value?

Nicely made video. He really nails the most addicting quality of MMOs: the social reinforcement/obligation.